Prakash Raj: 'If people unite, government can be forced to its knees'
Collected Photo
Amid unprecedented student protests over India's education system and the NEET-UG question paper leak scandal, the country's Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, finally succumbed to the pressure. After prolonged and intense demonstrations, he formally submitted his resignation on Saturday. Bollywood celebrities have erupted in celebration over this historic victory for the protesting students!
From Sonakshi Sinha and Vijay Varma to Prakash Raj and Vir Das, stars have taken to social media to celebrate this incredible triumph of the young protesters on the streets.
As soon as the news of the minister's resignation broke, popular actor Vijay Varma took a jibe by tweaking the tune of the famous song from the movie Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. He wrote, "Achcha chalta hoon... duaon mein yaad rakhna!" (Translation: "Alright, I'm leaving... remember me in your prayers!")
Meanwhile, actress Sonakshi Sinha posted multiple videos on her Instagram, expressing deep gratitude to the students and urging everyone to celebrate the victory.
Veteran South Indian actor Prakash Raj, who was physically present at the Jantar Mantar protest site, congratulated the "Kakroach Janata Party" (a term used for the protesting group) and the student activists. He wrote: "Congratulations to my brave youngsters! Salute to Sonam Wangchuk sir and all those who stood by them. You have proven that if the people unite, they can force a government to its knees!"
Actress Tilottama Shome, overwhelmed with emotion, wrote: "I feel blessed to have witnessed this historic youth revolution. The young generation has shown us what street protests truly mean."
Bollywood's emerging star Ishaan Khatter wrote on social media: "Today, all of India wins; today, democracy wins! The collective protest of millions has washed away all injustice. I am immensely proud of these young people. This is the India I wanted to grow up in! Salute to you, Mother."
Singer Armaan Malik wrote a short message: "Power of the Youth!" Additionally, Swara Bhasker, Dia Mirza, Gul Panag, Wamiqa Gabbi, and comedian Vir Das have all praised the indomitable courage of the student protesters.
On Saturday, Dharmendra Pradhan released his resignation letter on social media platform X. In it, he wrote: "The youth of the country are not just India's future; they are the architects of a new India. The turbulent events of the past ten days have deeply pained me. My personal ego for any position cannot outweigh the emotions and trust of the country's youth."
